Travel

Nothing says the Fourth of July quite like watching fireworks, cooking out on the grill and enjoying time with friends and family. For many this year, it’s also a three-day weekend and the perfect excuse to plan a long-awaited getaway. With so many Arizona destinations to choose from, we thought we’d suggest a few favorites for friends, families and couples to consider as last-minute staycations.

Summer in Arizona: for many, this means thoughts of triple-degree temperatures, cranking down the air conditioning and sweating throughout the next several months. If you live in one of the hotter climates in Arizona, like Phoenix or Tucson, you are probably thinking about how to stay cool, and one of those ideas might be to leave town.

Any water seen in Phoenix for the next few months can either be attributed to monsoons or mirages. In order to quench your thirst for more consistent and tangible enjoyment of water, escape the Valley and head to one of Arizona’s refreshing lakes. The Grand Canyon state has a number of notable lakes hidden within its deserts; here are the most notable ones:

Arizona is home to a number of renowned chefs, diverse restaurants, cafés, wineries and breweries. From hole-in-the-wall haunts to sophisticated fine-dining bistros, there are a variety of options to keep locals and visitors alike well fed.

If trying new dining experiences is a must when planning a summer vacation, then let your taste buds guide you to Northern...